Phillip Schofield’s sexuality was an ‘open secret’ among his This Morning colleagues for two years – with the presenter seeing the show as his ‘safe space’

• Colleagues at This Morning knew about Phillip Schofield being gay for two years 
• According to a source, the presenter, 57, saw show as a safe space for himself 
• Schofield shocked nation on Friday when he came out as gay on social media 

Phillip Schofield’s sexuality was known by his This Morning colleagues for two years before he came out as gay on Friday, according to a source. 

Presenter Schofield, 57, shocked the nation with his revelation, but his sexuality is thought to have been an ‘open secret’ among his co-workers. 

The TV star, who admitted that he had suicidal thoughts and even sought therapy before coming out, is believed to have seen This Morning as a ‘safe space’, one where he didn’t have to worry about being outed.

On Friday, Schofield emotionally revealed that he was gay in a lengthy social media post, before speaking about his sexuality to co-presenter Holly Willoughby on the show.

Phillip Schofield’s sexuality was an ‘open secret’ on This Morning (he is pictured with co-stars Holly Willoughby, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes

On Friday, Schofield emotionally revealed that he was gay in a lengthy social media post, before speaking about his sexuality to co-presenter Holly Willoughby on the show

He said he had been leading the ‘perfect life’ after getting married and raising his two children, claiming he hadn’t wanted anything to get in the way of his happiness.     

A show insider has now told the Daily Star: ‘Lots of people who work at This Morning have known Phillip is gay for a few years.

‘It was an open secret among the team but none of them would have ever said anything about it publicly.

‘Because Phillip had their trust, he could relax and not worry about being outed. This Morning became a safe space for him.’

The source added that Schofield would openly socialise with the other gay men on This Morning, often taking them ‘under his wing’. 

Schofield would support men struggling to cope with their sexuality, including one runner who he ended up mentoring.   

The presenter is believed to be extremely popular among staff on the show, with the source adding he had a connection with his colleagues. 

He’s back! Phillip Schofield has made his first TV appearance after coming out as gay, as he joined Holly Willoughby to host Dancing On Ice on Sunday

They added: ‘It was that connection which meant he knew he could relax and not worry about anyone talking about his sexuality.’ 

It comes as Schofield was praised by Dancing On Ice judge Ashley Banjo on Sunday after the presenter returned to TV for the first time since coming out as gay.

The presenter, 57, joked that it ‘wasn’t about him’ after Ashley said he had ‘nothing but love and respect’ for Schofield, sparking a thunderous reception from the audience. 

Ashley said: ‘Can I say just say Phil, big week and you have always been an absolute legend, but never more than this week my friend.

‘And I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we have got nothing but love and respect for you.’

Schofield earlier told The Sun On Sunday that he believes he’s known he was gay throughout his 27-year marriage to wife Stephanie, saying: ‘Whatever was ”there” I thought, ”OK, whatever this is, you stay back because I am happy.”

The veteran TV star added that he was ‘naive’ to think he could suppress his sexuality when he married Stephanie 27 years ago, but he didn’t consider his sexuality as it was such a ‘joyous time’ for him.

‘If you ask anyone who is gay, they know — there is no confusion.’

He also admitted he battled depression as he struggled with his sexuality, and even sought therapy to come to terms with it, before deciding he found it more helpful speaking to friends in private.

He said: ‘I went to seek professional help, I sat down and poured out my heart.’

Schofield added that the strain of keeping his sexuality a secret even took a toll on his physical health and his weight plummeted as he threw himself into work.

When asked about the future of his marriage to Stephanie, he was unsure about whether they will divorce in the future, and declined to comment on whether he is in a relationship with a man or has been in the past.

He also admitted that for a time he thought he was bisexual, and it took time for him to be honest with him and accept that he was gay.

MailOnline has approached Schofield’s representative for comment. 

‘I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay’: Phillip’s statement in full 

You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing – and so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years. With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.

‘This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home. I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby…

‘My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusion. Yet still I can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.

‘My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family..

‘Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort. Both mine and Steph’s entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support.

‘Of course they are worried about Steph but I know they will scoop us both us.

‘My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder. At ITV, I couldn’t hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams…

‘Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth – so now it’s my turn to share mine. This will probably all come as something and I understand, but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward. Please be kind, especially to my family. Phillip’. 

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